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Kings' Jarret Stoll suspended for Game 2 against San Jose

April 15, 2011 | 1:26
pm

Kings center Jarret Stoll was suspended by the NHL for one game as punishment for a hit that drove San Jose defenseman Ian White into the boards during the first period of the Sharks' 3-2 overtiem victory over the Kings in the teams' playoff opener Thursday at HP Pavilion.

Stoll, who participated in a telephone hearing with NHL executives Friday morning, will miss Game 2 of the series, to be played Saturday in San Jose. White, who suffered a cut lip and appeared wobbly as he left the ice, did not return to the game. He did not practice Friday and his status for Saturday’s game is questionable.

"At this present time I’d say no," Sharks Coach Todd McLellan said when asked if White will be able to play. McLellan also said White will be evaluated Saturday morning before the team’s game-day skate. The game was White’s first in the Stanley Cup playoffs after playing 401 regular-season games.

Stoll, though not known as a dirty player, used his forearm and elbow to drive White into the glass. Stoll wasn’t penalized at the time but the NHL has the authority to review any play in any game and impose a fine or suspension.

The Kings were due to skate at 1:45 p.m., so we’ll get reactions and update their lineup plans after they’re done. One possibility is that they will recall Brayden Schenn, who had been assigned to Manchester of the American Hockey League. He could play one game without triggering the first year of his contract. If he plays two, for a total of 10, the first year of his contract would be in effect. They could also reinstate Oscar Moller, who had been a healthy scratch for Game 1.

The Sharks, as could be expected, were united in decrying Stoll’s hit and its outcome. “I didn’t like it the first time and I didn’t like it on the replay,” Sharks defenseman Dan Boyle said.”Probably three, four, five years ago nobody would have said anything. But now, with what they’re trying to eliminate in the game, that’s a prime example of a guy’s head right against the boards."